Starting off the 2023-2024 school year, the Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra has implemented a new teaching style in their curriculum. Former student Fred Canada, who graduated in 2016, has returned to Aliso Niguel High School to coach the current orchestra students.
“It’s interesting coming back to see how much the orchestra has changed and evolved because I graduated from here in 2016,” says Fred Canada.
As of now, Fred comes in twice a month for each period of orchestra. He helps smaller sections, specifically focusing on violas and violins.
Orchestra teacher, Mr. Chen says, “They can give them that extra attention because my main instrument is the cello… so I want to make sure there are coaches that are there to help support in different areas.”
He also adds, “I think some instruments might be more neglected than others. For example, when you’re in band and you’re playing an instrument that isn’t as commonly played, and the director doesn’t have much expertise about that instrument, then you have to kind of figure it out on your own. But if there’s a coach that comes in to help you, then you can progress a lot faster.”
Generally, in a larger classroom setting, not every individual student can be attended to. Orchestra students can improve their skills more efficiently with the additional help of a coach, especially in a smaller group setting. In addition to that, each section also learns how to play together as a group.
Kayla Borlasa (12) says, “It was really great getting to work with someone as experienced as him because he has further education in music. We kind of got insight as to how to play the piece more efficiently, and how to work better as a group.”
Not only does the coach, Fred Canada, have over 16 years of experience playing the viola, but he also plays in a professional orchestra.
Cooper Lee (12) says, “It is also good that he plays in an actual professional orchestra, so he has that professional experience. He knows the insider tricks that professional players use, and he can share them with us.”
The orchestra students seem to be satisfied with this new way of practicing music. Along with receiving advice from experienced players, the students get to focus and target areas where they might need extra help.
Currently, the orchestra students are doing sectionals. They are taking a group of instruments; violins are all together, and violas are all together. The sections are looking at the piece of music they are playing for the fall concert and focusing on problem areas, along with breaking down specific measures into smaller pieces to figure out and practice.
Fred Canada says, “From my perspective, the orchestra students really want to learn and absorb much more information, wanting to be the best they can be, which is great. They have a big future ahead of them.”
The violas and violins will continue to work with Fred throughout the school year. They will practice in small groups with an emphasis on individual and team improvement.
